A short time ago, I was speaking with one of the men at A New Leaf's East Valley Men's Center (EVMC) and couldn't forget him. His story tugged at my heartstrings and had me back to ask him if I could tell his story.
Linden was a printer for thirty-five years when he, his wife and teenage son relocated from Seattle to Arizona to start his position with a new company. They were homeowners with several vehicles, including some "toys" that Linden referred to as his "stupid money" purchases. They were doing well.
Interviewer: Linden, how did you come to A New Leaf's EVMC?
Linden: Three months after I started my new job in Arizona, the company closed. The economy down-turn caused my wife, who works for a large local bank, to get her hours cut. She was bringing home 40% less money.
Interviewer: Were you able to collect unemployment?
Linden: Yes, in-between many temporary jobs. And then my unemployment ran out and I wasn't able to find more work.
Interviewer: Can you tell me how you became homeless?
Linden: Well, we were under a lot of stress and my wife began blaming me for the entire global problems. She ended up kicking me out.
Interviewer: Were you actually living on the streets?
Linden: Yes, for a couple of months.
Interviewer: What was that like?
Linden:
It feels as though you've been abandoned by everybody, including God. It was very scary. You don't know what you'll encounter or if you'll be singled out by the police. I slept on an employee bench behind a car wash. It was partially enclosed so it gave me a little more shelter from the wind and rain. I had a backpack and sleeping bag. I would go to Fry's and eat cookies when they had free trays set out. My son knew where I was sleeping. He would
give me a couple of dollars now and then so I would buy a loaf of bread. Sometimes he would sneak me in the house when his mom was gone so I could get a shower.
Interviewer: How was your son with all of this?
Linden: He was very hurt but I try to keep him from becoming bitter toward his mom.
Interviewer: So you came to EVMC directly from the streets?
Linden: Yes, it took me three weeks to get into the program. Then one week after I arrived, I had a minor heart attack. Three months later, November of 2010, I had another and in February a triple by-pass.
Interviewer: Wow, I didn't realize that you had your heart attacks while you were at EVMC.
Linden: I did. And I credit my recovery to Dr. Janne Croll, from "Healthcare for the Homeless", who provides service to the men. She treated me the same as if I were a millionaire. If she hadn't cared enough to get me to go to the clinic, I would have died. I didn't care anymore. I would have just died.
Interviewer: So now that your health is improving, what are your greatest challenges?
Linden: I'm still waiting for authorization for disability so I can start saving for a car and a place to live. I'm frustrated when I feel that I'm missing opportunities because I can't work. The structure and restrictions at EVMC are difficult but I realize that some of the guys here really need it because of the risks they present. I've never smoked, done drugs or drank alcohol. I just follow the rules.
Interviewer: Coming from a solid background, what's it like for you living with some of the men who come from pretty rough backgrounds?
Linden: Not bad. I get along with the men. We're all grateful. On the streets, EVMC is considered the taj mahal of homeless shelters.
Interviewer: Really? And how's that?
Linden: It's safe, clean, there's food, people to talk to and help from the staff and Case Managers..."real" support. They help a great deal.
Interviewers: What would you like our supporters to know about EVMC?
Linden: This is a necessary place in this city. There are so many on the streets and not enough room here. But once you're in the door, you're ok if you follow the rules. You can proceed with your life. You're safe. If I hadn't gotten in, I'd be dead.
Interviewer: Do you have a support system outside of A New Leaf?
Linden: Yes, I go to church and have friends there who look out for me, make sure I have rides. I do part-time volunteer work there when my health allows.
Interviewer: What are your goals/plans for after you leave the shelter?
Linden: To try and stay healthy and work when I'm able. I want to spend as much time as I've got left with my family. I'm hoping to at least work out a friendship with my wife.
Interviewer: Is there anything you would like to say to our supporters?
Linden: I thank God for this place every day. I thank you for what you're doing and please continue to support A New Leaf's EVMC.
Interviewer
Doreen Davison
Development and Communications Manager
